Be aware of scams

Halls

Posted 3 years ago

Wed 25 Oct, 2023 12:10 PM

Take small steps to avoid being scammed

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to trick students out of their money, personal information, and sensitive data. To help you stay safe, we've put together some easy tips that you can follow to protect yourself against scams.

For more information, you can read up on LSE's official guide on fraud to learn more on staying one step ahead.

Common types of fraud/scams affecting students:

Phishing emails trying to impersonate an organisation, like LSE, in order to trick you
Phone calls pretending to be a trusted organisation/person, like a bank or the Student Loans Company, in order to get your information and steal from you
False job adverts and/or offers
Unofficial student society or LSE social media accounts
Accommodation scams

Tips to protect yourself:

Verify the source: Double-check the contact's identity by hanging up the phone and calling the official number from the website. If you receive an email you are unsure about, do not click any links or divulge information before verifying the email through official channels. Instead, forward it to phishing@lse.ac.uk
Be aware of pressure tactics: Scammers might try to trick you by putting pressure on you to respond urgently. Official organisations will always be happy for you to take the time to verify their authenticity before providing sensitive information.
Use official channels for information: Do not assume information shared by students or unofficial social media accounts are correct. Always check the verified, official LSE channels.
Use strong passwords: Protect your online accounts with strong, unique passwords, and enable two-factor authentication when available. Always make sure your software is up to date.
Educate yourself: Learn to recognise common scam tactics, red flags, and phishing attempts. Check out websites, such as the FCAs, for up-to-date information.
Keep personal information private: Remember, LSE will NEVER ask for your password or bank details. Avoid sharing personal information, such as your passport, financial details, and passwords, unless you are certain the request is legitimate. Do not share personal information with unsecured AI tools.
Report suspicious activity: If you encounter a scam or suspect fraudulent activity, report it immediately to LSE's security or financial aid office and relevant authorities. If you believe your banking details have been compromised, contact your bank as soon as you can.